Nathan's Insights

Fiji Airways
Date: 29 November 2024
Flight Number: FJ810
Gate: 7
Seat: 15K & 16K (Business Class Seat)
Plane: Airbus A350-900
Boarded: 21:07
Pushback: 22:13 (Scheduled 21:40)
Lift off: 22:32
Arrived: 12:14 (Scheduled 11:50)
Duration: 10 hours 1 minute
Distance: 8,881 km

This flight was from Nadi International Airport (Nadi, Fiji) to Los Angeles International Airport (Los Angeles, USA).

The Cost

I purchased this business flight as part of a reward ticket that covered Melbourne to Nadi, and Nadi to Los Angeles. It cost 108,400 Qantas points x 2 (216,800 points) and AUD 165.24 x 2 (AUD 330.48) for two business class flights on Fiji Airways.

To use cash to purchase business class seats on the same flights it would have cost AUD 10,752.59 (Biz Value Fare) each or $21,505.18. The cheapest direct business class fare from Melbourne to Los Angeles on the same day would have cost AUD 11,192 on American Airlines.

The Airport Experience

Check-In / Bag Drop / Border Control

Included with the award booking was up to 3 checked bags per person with a maximum bag weight of 32kgs and a total of 56kgs. Our bags were checked through from our previous Melbourne to Nadi flight (review here)

We had to clear transit security at Nadi International Airport. This was a passport check with some additional USA border control questions. 

Lounges

We had access to the Fiji Airways Premier Lounge in Nadi. The lounge was full, as a resullt passengers with access due to status were denied access. Whereas Erin and I were granted access as business class passengers.

The lounge was so full it took a while to find two empty seats. Due to our late arrival, we only had 25 minutes in the lounge. Just enough time for a quick drink, a small snack, check some e-mails and a toilet stop.

We left as instructed to go to the boarding Gate but we later learned boarding was delayed due to the late arrival of the plane.

The Flight Experience

Boarding

This flight boarded from Gate 7. Boarding was very chaotic with delayed boarding and at first, all passengers lined up in the Premium boarding lane. Airport staff started pulling non-business passengers out of the lane.

This still left some priority ‘B’ economy passengers in the lane but they were denied boarding at the gate despite the sign stating they could use this line.

The Seat

Fiji Airways’ A350s have 33 business class seats, in a 1-2-1 configuration, spread across nine rows. The Business Class seating has a 44-inch pitch and converts into a lie bed, in-seat video with 17-inch personal entertainment screen€ monitors.

The seats are two storage compartments, the larger storage compartment has power outlets (AC power and two USB plugs), the entertainment controller and the headphone jack. 

For this 10-hour 10-minute scheduled flight I selected window seats for us both in 15K (Erin) and 16K (me) which meant we had both a window and aisle access. 

A comfy pillow and eco-plastic-wrapped blanket are already on each seat. A bed topper was in the overhead locker. I found I could sleep for a few hours at a time, probably 4 – 4.5 hours across the flight.

Amenity Kit

An amenity kit was provided which included; hand sanitiser, organic nut oil, a pen, socks, ear plugs, a toothbrush and toothpaste.

Meals and Drinks

After taking our seats we were offered a pre-flight drink (I chose a Coke Zero), and I was also given a hot towel. Dinner orders were taken before take-off, ensuring speedy service later.

For dinner, I selected the main: Champagne Ham and Cheese crusty ciabatta roll with garlic bread. Desert: Fijian Purini. Drink: Coke Zero.

This was a lovely dinner served about 30 minutes after take-off.

For breakfast, which was served 2 hours 10 minutes before landing, I selected an Orange Juice, a Cheese Omelette with chicken sausage plus a croissant.

Very tasty and safe breakfast.

Facilities and Service

There we two toilets available at the front of the cabin.

The flight attendants were very good, meals were delivered quickly and with a smile.

Entertainment System

Fiji Airways€™ A350 Business Class seats have a 17-inch personal entertainment touch screen€ monitor (you can also use a remote). Noise-cancelling headphones are also provided. I watched the movie Inside Out 2, listened to music, watched the flight map and occasionally watched the flight from the external cameras.

The was also included Wifi for business class passengers, economy passengers get a chat internet package. The wifi however barely worked and was extremely slow so not useful.

The Flight

The flight was delayed in boarding due to the late arrival of the operating aeroplane and later delayed after boarding due to a late connecting flight (I believe from Brisbane). 

After we were airborne we had a very smooth flight. The flight attendants were very good. The cabin had nice lightning and a good feel. 

Having scented warm towels provided twice is a nice touch as well. We landed at 12:14 only 24 minutes after schedule which given the delays at the start was impressive.

Arrival

Los Angeles International Airport is known for Border Control issues and today highlighted those. We were moved from security lines, a border control officer took a break leaving people waiting for 15 minutes (breaks a needed but there should be relief staff). 

We entered Border Control at 12:41 and were cleared at 13:31 so 50 minutes at a non-peak time is below average for a major airport in my opinion.

Our bags were waiting for us which is always good. Unfortunately, my arranged driver was not. This was understandable due to the delays but it took a while to meet up for the pick-up. The LA Airport can be a pick chaotic.

Summary

This is a good option for a points-based flight from Australia, via Nadi, to the USA. The service standards are above average. The arrival time at noon steps you up well to get into your hotel room, get dinner and adjust to the new timezone.